New technologies in diagnosing occupational asbestosis

The paper considers the possibilities of applying telemedicine, a relatively new branch combining medicine and telecommunications, in diagnosing occupational asbestosis. Nowadays, telemedicine has been extensively used in an ever-increasing number of areas such as dermatology, oncology, radiology, surgery, cardiology, and psychiatry. The paper gives an example of possible applications in Croatia. Telemedicine is expected to significantly reduce absenteeism and travel expenses incurred by various laboratory tests. Furthermore, the diagnostic procedure would be considerably quicker, thereby improving the overall health condition of the population living in the immediate vicinity of asbestos factories. Our research has been conducted in the southern Croatian town of Ploce with an asbestos plant, but possible application refers to places distant from major hospitals, such as rural areas and the islands.